22 Blaydon Harriers braved the Arctic conditions, strong winds and thick, clinging mud on a very long and tough Aykley Heads in the latest NEHL.
Grace Johnson made her debut in the U/11 girls sensibly wearing tracksuit top and a wooly hat! Next up was our newly crowned junior male athlete of the year Lewis Cant also making X country debut, much better known for his blistering speed on the track. He finished an excellent 2nd in the U/13 boys.
The U/13 girls team was Fran Recchia, Elle Richardson and the 100% female, junior athlete of the year Emily Walters running from the fast pack.
Luke Shears and Daniel Buffham finished 4th and 5th in the U/15 boys and gained promotion to the fast pack, brilliant running backed up by Jack Boaden who is already in the fast pack.
The U/15 girls were Rachel Curry and Ennis Orr, Ennis running from the fast pack.
Our senior ladies were led home by Laura Kincaid followed by Lynne Michelson, Gillian Pearson, Liane Brown (running from the medium pack), Lisa Walsh and Tracy Bowers.
There was an international superstar, Olympic athlete running in the ladies race, Laura Weightman 1500mt finalist and European medalist said in an exclusive interview for Blaydon Harriers FB. I’m privileged and honoured to be running in the same race as the amazing Blaydon ladies.
The Blaydon mens team was led home in a superb 9th place by David Heslop. David came through the junior ranks at the club and has rejoined, making his senior man debut in the Harrier League, followed home by Alan Armstrong the excellent Matthew Alderson, Paddy Garrigan, Eric Lewis and Simon Evans. Simon, our sprint coach, turned out in his first XC for years, hasn’t had much training and although being totally wrecked by the 2nd lap, kept going in true Blaydon Harriers tradition finishing carrying one shoe.
Well done all on a wet and freezing cold day.
